Teething in infants

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in infants, marking the emergence of primary teeth, commonly known as "milk teeth," through the gums. This process generally begins between the ages of 4 and 7 months, although it can vary widely among infants, with some starting as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. By the time they reach the age of 3 years, most children will have a complete set of 20 primary teeth. Most children will have around eight teeth by their first birthday.

The process of teething is universal and natural, involving the movement of teeth from within the jaw to the surface of the gums. This often causes discomfort due to inflammation and pressure as the tooth breaks through the gum line. While teething is a normal part of growth, it is associated with a variety of symptoms that can cause distress to both the infant and parents. These symptoms, while primarily localized to the gums, can coincide with other developmental changes, such as a decline in maternal antibodies, which may increase the infant’s susceptibility to infections. It is important to note that while teething is a common experience, its symptoms and severity can vary...